1. Have a cigar: It’s a pretty well-known fact by now that Auburn hasn’t won in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, since the legendary “Cigar Game” in 1999 when Auburn players were photographed lighting victory cigars at midfield of Tiger Stadium. So since it’s been 18 years since Auburn has walked away from the Bayou State with a win, the careers of coach Gus Malzahn, Jarrett Stidham, Kerryon Johnson and other players at Auburn could obviously be cemented by ending such a streak as No. 11 Auburn embarks on the beginning of a three-game road stretch at LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M.

Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) smiles while the Auburn Alma Matar is played after the NCAA football game between Auburn and Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Auburn, Ala. Auburn defeated Ole Miss 44-23.

2. The Key to LSU’s defense is No. 49: Arden Key has returned to LSU’s defense after missing the first two games of the 2017 season but so far hasn’t looked like the player that dominated in opposing backfield’s last season. So far through four games, Key only has 1/2 tackles for loss and 1/2 sacks but that doesn’t mean he’ll be forgotten by the Auburn coaching staff. Malzahn says it’ll know exactly where No. 49 is on every play and he’ll be accounted for.

3. Stidham travels to Death Valley No. 2: The seemingly always positive and upbeat Stidham said he’s excited for his first trip to Baton Rouge, and that’s a good sign for Auburn’s quarterback because the last time Auburn went to Tiger Stadium was the last time Jeremy Johnson was considered a high profile player in the Auburn program. If Stidham can continue to be efficient with the football and continue to lead the Southeastern Conference in pass completion percentage after this week, then Auburn is likely to come away with a victory.

4. Mr. Versatility Austin Golson: Auburn’s most versatile offensive weapon may just be an offensive lineman from Prattville. Golson joked that he’s played all six offensive line positions in his three-year Auburn career, including blocking tight end. If Mike Horton can’t physically be at 100 percent health following a severe ankle sprain against Ole Miss last weekend, then expect the left guard spot to be taken by Golson and Prince Tega Wanogho to take over at left tackle once again.

BY THE NUMBERS

5:Times Auburn has won in Baton Rouge in the history of the series (1901, 1939, 1993, 1997 and 1999)

12: Auburn tailback Kerryon Johnson leads the nation with 12 rushing touchdowns, 11 of which have come in SEC play.

KEY MATCHUP

Auburn DT Derrick Brown vs. LSU C Will Clapp

Beyond the shifts, movement and what Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele calls “eye candy” before the snap, the only consistent element of LSU’s offense right now is running Derrius Guice in between the tackles. However, Guice had just 76 yards at Mississippi State, 50 yards at Florida and 14 yards vs. Syracuse. In order for him to have holes to run to, LSU’s interior offensive line is going to have to move the emerging Brown at the five technique position after Brown had a career high six tackles and two tackles for loss vs. Ole Miss last week.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jarrett Stidham

QB, So., 6-3, 214

In his last national television exposure against a powerhouse program, Stidham was sacked 11 times and Auburn only gained 15 yards of total offense in the second half of a 14-6 loss at Clemson. Stidham says he’s ready for redemption, and he’ll get that chance Saturday in his first CBS appearance in an Auburn uniform. Since the Clemson game, Stidham has completed 79 percent of his passes (72 of 91) for an average of 270.25 yards per game. If he has those type of numbers against an aggressive LSU defense, Auburn will win in another blowout fashion.

PREDICTION

This game can be broken down to one crucial element and question. Can LSU quarterback Danny Etling throw the ball vertically down the field well enough or at all to steal a home upset from a potential top-10 team and against an elite defense like Auburn’s? I say no, and the statistics back up my prediction on this. If not, LSU has trouble moving the ball all afternoon and Auburn’s offense will wear down a tired LSU defense. Auburn 21, LSU 10